How did the two of you meet?
Cynthia and I are both Interior Designers based in the Helderberg basin. We connected while working on various projects offering different services to our clients. We formed a good relationship, and our shared work ethic saw us collaborating more and more.
What inspired you to join forces and start The Mood Collectives?
For several years Cynthia and I had collaborated on various projects under our own brands until four years ago when we saw a gap in the market & decided to join forces. We felt there was a need for an upmarket, luxury interior showroom in the Winelands area; we aimed to design and showcase beautifully designed and locally manufactured furniture and support other creative entrepreneurs. In 2018 we secured our current premises, and as the saying goes, the rest is history.
Which other female entrepreneurs do you work with at The Mood Collectives?Current
ly, we showcase designs from Mia Melange – artisanal woven baskets, Summah – Turkish towels and throws, Amanda Jayne – hand-poured soy candles and home fragrances, Marutsca – 100% linen clothing and home accessories and of course, several female interior decorators and designers.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
At TMC, we are very proud of our “woman–power” status. International Women’s Day reminds ALL women worldwide that we are strong, independent, resilient, and undoubtedly self-sufficient!
What woman has positively impacted you in your career? What’s one lesson she taught you?
Kim – in my early twenties, I worked for a major car rental company – an extremely competitive industry dominated by male executives; we were a small sales team headed up by a robust national sales manager, she taught me everything I know about client service, relationship building, loyalty and being strong in a male-dominated industry – she was relentless, and at the time it drove us all nuts – it was only years later when I started my own business that I appreciated and realized the lessons she had taught me back then –to this day I still practice so much of what she instilled in me!
Cynthia – my first job was in Munich in a family-owned interior store; I worked closely with the female owner; she instilled in me that women can do anything they want. She confronted all situations head-on. I admired and still admire her strong but fair business ethics.
What advice do you have for women starting in business careers?
Don’t take a condescending attitude personally – rise above it and be confident in your decision making and abilities.
How can women better enable each other instead of competing? What needs to change, in your opinion?
We need to believe in each other and, in return, support each other!
We love working with women in business; our list is too long to start pointing out all the positives woman entrepreneurs have going for them….and if you meet a remarkable woman, tell her she is incredible and tell her why she is awesome, we need to hear it from each other!
What is one piece of advice to all women juggling between home and work?
Spoil yourself regularly without feeling any guilt!
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Learn from those willing to invest time in you – drop the attitude and respect the lessons.
What are you most proud of?
Proving that it really is achievable if you set your mind to something!
What does power mean to you?
The quiet contentment that settles deep in my bones when we achieve what many may think is unachievable, this is my power!
The Mood Collectives Showroom is situated at 26 Van Zyl St, Gants Plaza, Strand, 7140. Email hello@themoodcollectives.co.za for an on-site consultation.